Sensor-equipped display device including display panel and detection electrode

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device comprises a display panel and a detection electrode. The panel includes a display area in which pixels are arranged with a first pixel pitch in a first direction and a second pixel pitch in a second direction. The electrode includes an pattern having line fragments. The pattern has connection points at which ends of the fragments are connected to each other, and at least part of the connection points is arranged linearly such that an arrangement gaps thereof in the first and second direction is set to a first and second connection point pitch.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese Priority PatentApplication JP 2014-119629 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 10,2014, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sensor-equippeddisplay device.

BACKGROUND

Display devices including sensors which detect a contact or approach ofan object are used commercially (they are often referred to astouchpanels). As an example of such sensors, there is a capacitivesensor which detects a contact or the like of an object based on achange in the capacitance between a detection electrode and a drivingelectrode facing each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween.

The detection electrodes and the driving electrodes are disposed tooverlap with a display area to detect a contact or the like of an objecttherein. However, the detection electrodes and the driving electrodesdisposed in such a manner and the pixels contained in the display areamay generate interference which will generate moiré.

Sensor-equipped display devices which can prevent or reduce moiré arerequired.

SUMMARY

This application relates generally to a display device including asensor-equipped display device.

In an embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device is provided. Thesensor-equipped display device includes a display panel including adisplay area in which unit pixels are arranged with a first pixel pitchin a first direction and a second pixel pitch in a second direction,each of the unit pixels including a plurality of subpixels correspondingto different colors; and a detection electrode including an electrodepattern having conductive line fragments arranged on a detection surfacewhich is parallel to the display area, the detection electrodesconfigured to detect a contact or approach of an object to the detectionsurface, wherein the electrode pattern has a plurality of connectionpoints at which ends of the line fragments are connected to each other,and at least part of the connection points is arranged linearly suchthat an arrangement gap thereof in the first direction is set to a firstconnection point pitch and an arrangement gap thereof in the seconddirection is set to a second connection point pitch, the firstconnection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from 0.5×firstpixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer+0.05), andthe second connection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×second pixelpitch×(integer+0.05).

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows the structure ofa sensor-equipped display device of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view which schematically shows the basic structure andequivalent circuit of the display device.

FIG. 3 is a view which schematically shows an equivalent circuit of asubpixel of the display device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which schematically and partly showsthe structure of the display device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view which schematically shows the structure of asensor of the display device.

FIG. 6 is a view which illustrates a principle of sensing(mutual-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of thedisplay device.

FIG. 7 is a view which illustrates another principle of sensing(self-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of the displaydevice.

FIG. 8 is a view which illustrates said another principle of sensing(self-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of the displaydevice.

FIG. 9 is a view which illustrates a specific example of how to drivethe sensor in the self-capacitive sensing method.

FIG. 10 is a view which schematically shows detection electrodes of thesensor of the display device, which are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 11 is a view which schematically shows an arrangement example ofunit pixels and electrode patterns in a display area.

FIG. 12 is a view which schematically shows another arrangement exampleof unit pixels and electrode patterns in a display area.

FIG. 13 shows evaluation results of moiré between the electrode patternsand the display area.

FIG. 14 shows evaluation results of moiré between the electrode patternsand the display area.

FIG. 15 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa sixth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa seventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofan eighth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa ninth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa tenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofan eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofa thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a view which schematically shows part of a display area of avariation 1.

FIG. 28 is a view which schematically shows part of a display area of avariation 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped displaydevice comprises a display panel and a detection electrode. The displaypanel includes a display area in which unit pixels are arranged with afirst pixel pitch in a first direction and a second pixel pitch in asecond direction, each of the unit pixels including a plurality ofsubpixels corresponding to different colors. The detection electrodeincludes an electrode pattern having conductive line fragments arrangedon a detection surface which is parallel to the display area. Theelectrode pattern has a plurality of connection points at which ends ofthe line fragments are connected to each other, and at least part of theconnection points is arranged linearly such that an arrangement gapthereof in the first direction is set to a first connection point pitchand an arrangement gap thereof in the second direction is set to asecond connection point pitch. The first connection point pitch isdefined to exclude a range from 0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer+0.05). And the second connection pointpitch is defined to exclude a range from 0.5×second pixelpitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer+0.05).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be explainedwith reference to accompanying drawings.

Note that the disclosure is presented for the sake of exemplification,and any modification and variation conceived within the scope and spiritof the invention by a person having ordinary skill in the art arenaturally encompassed in the scope of invention of the presentapplication. Furthermore, a width, thickness, shape, and the like ofeach element are depicted schematically in the Figures as compared toactual embodiments for the sake of simpler explanation, and they are notto limit the interpretation of the invention of the present application.Furthermore, in the description and Figures of the present application,structural elements having the same or similar functions will bereferred to by the same reference numbers and detailed explanations ofthem that are considered redundant may be omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows the structure ofa sensor-equipped display device of a first embodiment. In thisembodiment, a sensor-equipped display device is a liquid crystal displaydevice. However, no limitation is intended thereby, and the displaydevice may be self-luminous display devices such as an organicelectroluminescent display device and the like, electronic paper displaydevices including electrophoresis elements and the like, and otherflatpanel display devices. Furthermore, the sensor-equipped displaydevice of the present embodiment may be adopted in various devices suchas smartphones, tablet terminals, mobilephones, notebook computers, andgaming devices.

The liquid crystal display device DSP includes an active matrix typeliquid crystal display panel PNL, driving IC chip IC1 which drives theliquid crystal display panel PNL, capacitive sensor SE, driving IC chipIC2 which drives the sensor SE, backlight unit BL which illuminates theliquid crystal panel PNL, control module CM, and flexible printedcircuits FPC1, FPC2, and FPC3.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1,second substrate SUB2 opposed to the first substrate SUB1, and liquidcrystal layer (liquid crystal layer LQ which is described later) heldbetween the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. In thepresent embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 may be reworded into anarray substrate and the second substrate SUB2 may be reworded into acountersubstrate. The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes adisplay area (active area) DA which displays images. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL is a transmissive type display panel having atransmissive display function which displays images by selectivelytransmitting the light from the backlight unit BL. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL may be a transflective type display panel having areflective display function which displays images by selectivelyreflecting external light in addition to the transmissive displayfunction.

The backlight unit BL is disposed at the rear surface side of the firstsubstrate SUB1. As a light source of the backlight unit BL, variousmodels can be used including luminescent diode (light emitting diode,LED) and the like. If the liquid crystal display panel PNL is ofreflective type having the reflective display function alone, the liquidcrystal display device DSP does not necessarily include the backlightunit BL.

The sensor SE includes a plurality of detection electrodes Rx. Thedetection electrodes Rx are provided with a detection surface (X-Y flatsurface) which is, for example, above and parallel to the displaysurface of the liquid crystal display panel PNL. In the exampledepicted, the detection electrodes Rx are extended substantially indirection X and are arranged side-by-side in direction Y. Otherwise, thedetection electrodes Rx may be extended in direction Y and arrangedside-by-side in direction X, or the detection electrodes Rx may beformed in an island shape and be arranged in a matrix in directions Xand Y. In this embodiment, directions X and Y are orthogonal to eachother.

The driving IC chip IC1 is mounted on the first substrate SUB1 of theliquid crystal display panel PNL. The flexible printed circuit FPC1connects the liquid crystal display panel PNL with the control moduleCM. The flexible printed circuit FPC2 connects the detection electrodesRx of the sensor SE with the control module CM. The driving IC chip IC2is mounted on the flexible printed circuit FPC2. The flexible printedcircuit FPC3 connects the backlight unit BL with the control module CM.

FIG. 2 is a view which schematically shows the basic structure andequivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display device DSP shown inFIG. 1. In addition to the liquid crystal display panel PNL, the liquidcrystal display device DSP includes a source line driving circuit SD,gate line driving circuit GD, common electrode driving circuit CD withina non-display area NDA which is outside the display area DA.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a plurality of subpixelsSPX within the display area DA. The subpixels SPX are arranged in amatrix of i×j (i and j are positive integers) in directions X and Y.Subpixels SPX are provided to correspond to colors such as red, green,blue, and white. A unit pixel PX is composed of subpixels SPX thosecorrespond to different colors, and is a minimum unit which constitutesa displayed color image. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panelPNL includes j gate lines G (G1 to Gj), i source lines S (S1 to Si), andcommon electrode CE within the display area DA.

The gate lines G are extended substantially linearly in direction X tobe drawn outside the display area DA and connected to the gate linedriving circuit GD. Furthermore, the gate lines G are arranged indirection Y at intervals. The source lines S are extended substantiallylinearly in direction Y to be drawn outside the display area DA to crossthe gate lines G. Furthermore, the source lines S are arranged indirection X at intervals. The gate lines G and the source lines S arenot necessarily extended linearly and may be extended partly being bent.The common electrode CE is drawn outside the display area DA to beconnected with the common electrode driving circuit CD. The commonelectrode CE is shared with a plurality of subpixels SPX. The commonelectrode CE is described later in detail.

FIG. 3 is a view which shows an equivalent circuit of the subpixel SPXshown in FIG. 2. Each subpixel SPX includes a switching element PSW,pixel electrode PE, common electrode CE, and liquid crystal layer LQ.The switching element PSW is formed of, for example, a thin filmtransistor. The switching element PSW is electrically connected to thegate line G and the source line S. The switching element PSW is ofeither top gate type or bottom gate type. The semiconductor layer of theswitching element PSW is formed of, for example, polysilicon; however,it may be formed of amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, or the like.The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected with the switchingelement PSW. The pixel electrode PE is opposed to the common electrodeCE. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE form a retainingcapacitance CS.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which schematically and partly showsthe structure of the liquid crystal display device DSP. The liquidcrystal display device DSP includes a first optical element OD1 andsecond optical element OD2 in addition to the above-described liquidcrystal display panel PNL and backlight unit BL. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL depicted in the Figure has a structure correspondingto a fringe field switching (FFS) mode as its display mode; however, nolimitation is intended thereby, and the liquid crystal display panel PNLmay have a structure which corresponds to another display mode.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes the first substrate SUB1,second substrate SUB2, and liquid crystal layer LQ. The first substrateSUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are attached to each other with acertain cell gap formed therebetween. The liquid crystal layer LQ isheld in the cell gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2.

The first substrate SUB1 is formed based on a transmissive firstinsulating substrate 10 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate.The first substrate SUB1 includes the source lines S, common electrodesCE, pixel electrode PE, first insulating film 11, second insulating film12, third insulating film 13, and first alignment film AL1 on thesurface of the first insulating substrate 10 at the side opposed to thesecond substrate SUB2.

The first insulating film 11 is disposed on the first insulatingsubstrate 10. Although this is not described in detail, the gate linesG, gate electrode of the switching element, and semiconductor layer areprovided between the first insulating substrate 10 and the firstinsulating film 11. The source lines S are formed on the firstinsulating film 11. Furthermore, source electrode and drain electrode ofthe switching element PSW are formed on the first insulating film 11.

The second insulating film 12 is disposed on the source lines S and thefirst insulating film 11. The common electrode CE is formed on thesecond insulating film 12. This common electrode CE is formed of atransparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) andindium zinc oxide (IZO). In the example depicted, a metal layer ML isformed on the common electrode CE to lower the resistance of the commonelectrode CE; however, this metal layer ML may be omitted.

The third insulating film 13 is disposed on the common electrodes CE andthe second insulating film 12. The pixel electrodes PE are formed on thethird insulating film 13. Each pixel electrode PE is disposed betweenadjacent source lines S to be opposed to the common electrode CE.Furthermore, each pixel electrode has a slit SL at a position to beopposed to the common electrode CE. This pixel electrode PE is formed ofa transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The firstalignment film AL1 covers the pixels electrodes and the third insulatingfilm 13.

On the other hand, the second substrate SUB2 is formed based on atransmissive second insulating substrate 20 such as a glass substrate ora resin substrate. The second substrate SUB2 includes black matrixes BM,color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, overcoat layer OC, and second alignmentfilm AL2 on the surface of the second insulating substrate 20 at theside opposed to the first substrate SUB1.

The black matrixes BM are formed on the inner surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20 to define the subpixels SPX one another.

Each of color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB is formed on the inner surfaceof the second insulating substrate 20 and partly overlaps the blackmatrix BM. Color filter CFR is a red filter which is disposed tocorrespond to a red subpixel SPXR and is formed of a red resin material.Color filter CFG is a green filter which is disposed to correspond to agreen subpixel SPXG and is formed of a green resin material. Colorfilter CFB is a blue filter which is disposed to correspond to a bluesubpixel SPXB and is formed of a blue resin material. In the exampledepicted, a unit pixel PX is composed of subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXBthose correspond to red, green, and blue, respectively. However, theunit pixel PX is not limited to a combination of the above-mentionedthree subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB. For example, the unit pixel PX maybe composed of four subpixels SPX including a white subpixel SPXW inaddition to the subpixel SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB. In that case, a white ortransparent filter may be disposed to correspond to the subpixel SPXW,or a color filter corresponding to the subpixel SPXW may be omitted. Or,a subpixel of a different color such as yellow may be disposed insteadof a white subpixel.

The overcoat layer OC covers color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. Theovercoat layer OC is formed of a transparent resin material. The secondalignment film AL2 covers the overcoat layer OC.

The detection electrode Rx is formed on the outer surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20. That is, in the present embodiment, thedetection surface is disposed on the outer surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20. The detailed structure of the detectionelectrode Rx is described later.

As can be clearly understood from FIGS. 1 to 4, both the detectionelectrode Rx and the common electrode CE are disposed in differentlayers in the normal direction of the display area DA, and they areopposed to each other with dielectrics intervening therebetween such asthird insulating film 13, first alignment film AL1, liquid crystal layerLQ, second alignment film AL2, overcoat layer OC, color filters CFR,CFG, and CFB, and second insulating substrate 20.

The first optical element OD1 is interposed between the first insulatingsubstrate 10 and the backlight unit BL. The second optical element OD2is disposed above the detection electrode Rx. Each of the first opticalelement OD1 and the second optical element OD2 includes at least apolarizer and may include a retardation film if necessary.

Now, the capacitive sensor SE mounted on the liquid crystal displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment is explained. FIG. 5 is a plan viewwhich schematically shows a structural example of the sensor SE. In theexample depicted, the sensor SE is composed of the common electrode CEof the first substrate SUB1 and the detection electrodes Rx of thesecond substrate SUB2. That is, the common electrode CE functions as anelectrode for display and also as an electrode for sensor driving.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes lead lines L in additionto the common electrode CE and the detection electrodes Rx. The commonelectrode CE and the detection electrodes Rx are disposed within thedisplay area AA. In the example depicted, the common electrode CEincludes a plurality of divisional electrodes C. Divisional electrodes Care extended substantially linearly in direction Y and arranged atintervals in direction X within the display area DA. The detectionelectrodes Rx are extended substantially linearly in direction X andarranged at intervals in direction Y within the display area DA. Thatis, the detection electrodes Rx are extended to cross the divisionalelectrodes C. As mentioned above, the common electrode CE and thedetection electrodes Rx are opposed to each other with variousdielectrics intervening therebetween.

Now, a display driving operation performed to display images in theliquid crystal display device DSP in the above-described FFS mode isdescribed. First, the off-state where no voltage is applied to theliquid crystal layer LQ is explained. The off-state is a state where apotential difference is not formed between the pixel electrode PE andthe common electrode CE. In this off-state, liquid crystal molecules inthe liquid crystal layer LQ are aligned in the same orientation withinX-Y plane as their initial alignment by the alignment restriction forcebetween the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2.The light from the backlight unit BL partly transmits the polarizer ofthe first optical element OD1 and is incident on the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL. The light incident on the liquid crystal displaypanel PNL is linear polarization which is orthogonal to an absorptionaxis of the polarizer. The state of the linear polarization does notsubstantially change when passing though the liquid crystal displaypanel PNL in the off-state. Thus, the majority of the linearpolarization which have passed through the liquid crystal display panelPNL are absorbed by the polarizer of the second optical element OD2(black display).

Next, the on-state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystallayer LQ is explained. The on-state is a state where a potentialdifference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE. That is, common driving signals are supplied to the commonelectrode CE to set it to the common potential. Furthermore, imagesignals to form the potential difference with respect to the commonpotential are supplied to the pixel electrode PE. Consequently, a fringefield is generated between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE in the on-state. In this on-state, the liquid crystalmolecules are aligned in the orientation different from that of theinitial alignment within X-Y plane. In the on-state, the linearpolarization which is orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizerof the first optical element OD1 is incident on the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL and its polarization state changes depending on thealignment of the liquid crystal molecules when passing through theliquid crystal layer LQ. Thus, in the on-state, at least part of thelight which has passed through the liquid crystal layer LQ transmits thepolarizer of the second optical element OD2 (white display). With thisstructure, a normally black mode is achieved.

The number, size, and shape of the divisional electrodes C are notlimited specifically and can be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, thedivisional electrodes C may be arranged at intervals in direction Y andextended substantially linearly in direction X. Moreover, the commonelectrode CE is not necessarily divided and may be a single plateelectrode formed continuously within the display area DA.

Within the detection surface on which the detection electrodes Rx aredisposed, dummy electrodes DR are provided between adjacent detectionelectrodes Rx. The dummy electrodes DR are extended substantiallylinearly in direction X similarly to the detection electrodes Rx. Thesedummy electrodes DR are not connected with the lines such as lead linesL, and are in the electrically floating state. The dummy electrodes DRdo not play any role in detection of a contact or approach of an object.That is, the dummy electrodes DR are not necessary from the objectdetection standpoint. However, without such dummy electrodes DR, thescreen display of the liquid crystal display panel PNL will be opticallynonuniform. Therefore, the dummy electrodes DR should preferably beprovided.

The lead lines L are disposed within the non-display area NDA and areelectrically connected to the detection electrodes Rx one to one. Eachof the lead lines L outputs a sensor output value from its correspondingdetection electrode Rx. The lead lines L are disposed in the secondsubstrate SUB2 similarly to the detection electrodes Rx, for example.

The liquid crystal display device DSP further includes the commonelectrode driving circuit CD disposed within the non-display area NDA.Each of the divisional electrodes C is electrically connected to thecommon electrode driving circuit CD. The common electrode drivingcircuit CD selectively supplies common driving signals (first drivingsignals) to drive the subpixels SPX and sensor driving signals (seconddriving signals) to drive the sensor SE to the divisional electrodes C.For example, the common electrode driving circuit CD supplies the commondriving signals in a display driving time to display images on thedisplay area DA and supplies sensor driving signals in a sensor drivingtime to detect a contact or approach of an object to the detectionsurface.

The flexible printed circuit FPC2 is electrically connected to each ofthe lead lines L. A detection circuit RC is accommodated in, forexample, the driving IC chip IC2. The detection circuit RC detects acontact or approach of an object to the liquid crystal display deviceDSP base on the sensor output value from the detection electrodes Rx.Furthermore, the detection circuit RC can detect positional data of theposition to which the object contacts or approaches. The detectioncircuit RC may be accommodated in the control module CM instead.

Now, the specific operation performed in detecting a contact or approachof an object by the liquid crystal display device DSP is explained withreference to FIG. 6. A capacitance Cc exists between the divisionalelectrodes C and the detection electrodes Rx. The common electrodedriving circuit CD supplies pulse-shaped sensor driving signals Vw toeach of the divisional electrodes C at certain periods. In the exampledepicted, a finger of a user is given to be close to a crossing point ofa particular detection electrode Rx and a particular divisionalelectrode C. The finger close to the detection electrode Rx generates acapacitance Cx. When the pulse-shaped sensor driving signals Vw aresupplied to the divisional electrodes C, the particular detectionelectrode Rx shows a pulse-shaped sensor output value Vr of which levelis less than those are obtained from the other detection electrodes.This sensor output value Vr is supplied to the detection circuit RCthrough the lead lines L.

The detection circuit RC detects two-dimensional positional data of thefinger within the X-Y plane (detection surface) based on the timing whenthe sensor driving signals Vw are supplied to the divisional electrodesC and the sensor output value Vr from each detection electrode Rx.Furthermore, capacitance Cx varies between the states where the fingeris close to the detection electrode Rx and where the finger is distantfrom the detection electrode Rx. Thus, the level of the sensor outputvalue Vr varies between the states where the finger is close to thedetection electrode Rx and where the finger is distant from thedetection electrode Rx. Using this mechanism, the detection circuit RCmay detect the proximity of the finger with respect to the sensor SE(distance between the finger and the sensor SE in the normal direction)based on the level of the sensor output value Vr.

The above-explained detection method of the sensor SE is referred to asa mutual-capacitive method or a mutual-capacitive sensing method. Thedetection method applied to the sensor SE is not limited to such amutual-capacitive sensing method and may be other methods. For example,the following methods may be applied to the sensor SE: a self-capacitivemethod, a self-capacitive sensing method, and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the specific operation performed in detecting acontact or approach of an object by the liquid crystal display deviceDSP using the self-capacitive sensing method. In FIGS. 7 and 8, thedetection electrodes Rx are formed as islands and arranged in a matrixalong directions X and Y on the display area DA. The lead lines L areelectrically connected to the detection electrodes Rx one to one attheir ends. The other ends of the lead lines L are, as in the exampleshown in FIG. 5, connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC2including the driving IC chip IC2 in which the detection circuit RC isaccommodated. In the example depicted, a finger of a user is given to beclose to a particular detection electrode Rx. The finger close to thedetection electrode Rx generates a capacitance Cx.

As shown in FIG. 7, the detection circuit RC supplies pulse-shapedsensor driving signals Vw (driving voltage) to each of the detectionelectrodes Rx at certain periods. By the sensor driving signals Vw, eachdetection electrode Rx itself is charged.

After the sensor driving signal Vw supply, the detection circuit RCreads the sensor output value Vr from each of the detection electrodesRx as shown in FIG. 8. The sensor output value Vr corresponds to, forexample, the charge on each detection electrode Rx itself. In thedetection electrodes Rx arranged on the X-Y plane (detection surface),the sensor output value Vr read from the detection electrode Rx at whicha capacitance Cx is generated between itself and the finger is differentfrom the sensor output values Vr read from the other detectionelectrodes Rx. Therefore, the detection circuit RC can detect thetwo-dimensional positional data of the finger on the X-Y plane based onthe sensor output values Vr of the detection electrodes Rx.

Now, a specific example of how to drive the sensor SE in theself-capacitive sensing method is explained with reference to FIG. 9. Inthe example depicted, a display operation performed in a displayoperation period Pd and a detection operation of input positional dataperformed in a detection operation period Ps within one frame (1F)period. The detection operation period Ps is a period excluded from thedisplay operation period Pd and is, for example, a blanking period inwhich the display operation halts.

In the display operation period Pd, the gate line driving circuit GDsupplies control signals to the gate lines G, the source line drivingcircuit SD supplies image signals Vsig to the source lines S, and thecommon electrode driving circuit CD supplies common driving signals Vcom(common voltage) to the common electrode CE (divisional electrodes C)for the drive of the liquid crystal display panel PNL.

In the detection operation period Ps, the input of control signal, imagesignal Vsig, and common driving signal Vcom to the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL are stopped and the sensor SE is driven. When drivingthe sensor SE, the detection circuit RC supplies sensor driving signalsVw to the detection electrodes Rx, reads the sensor output values Vrindicative of changes in capacitance in the detection electrodes Rx, andoperates the input positional data based on the sensor output values Vr.In this detection operation period Rs, the common electrode drivingcircuit CD supplies potential adjustment signals Va, of which waveformis the same as that of the sensor driving signals Vw supplied to thedetection electrodes Rx, to the common electrode CE in synchronizationwith sensor driving signals Vw. Here, the same waveform means that thesensor driving signals Vw and the potential adjustment signals are thesame with respect to their phase, amplitude, and period. By supplyingsuch potential adjustment signals Va to the common electrode CE, a straycapacitance (parasitic capacitance) between the detection electrodes Rxand the common electrode CE can be removed and the operation of theinput positional data can be performed accurately.

FIG. 10 is a view which schematically shows an example of the detectionelectrodes Rx arranged in a matrix. In the example depicted, detectionelectrodes Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3 are aligned in direction Y. Detectionelectrodes R1 are connected to pads PD1 through lead lines L1. Detectionelectrodes Rx2 are connected to pads PD2 through lead lines L2.Detection electrodes Rx3 are directly connected to pads PD3. Pads PD1 toPD3 are connected to flexible printed circuit FPC2. Detection electrodesRx1 to Rx3 are, for example, formed in a mesh structure of metalmaterial line fragments (line fragments T described later) connected toeach other. However, the structure of detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3 isnot limited to that shown in FIG. 10 and may be replaced with one ofvarious structures including the structures described in the followingexample. For example, the line fragment may also be called as aconductive fragment, a metal fragment, a thin fragment, a unit fragment,a conductive line, a metal line, a thin line, or a unit line.

In direction X, detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3, lead lines L1 and L2,and pads PD1 to PD3 are aligned at certain intervals. Between a set ofdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3 and its adjacent sets of detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rx3 in direction X, dummy electrodes DR are disposed.The dummy electrodes DR are formed in a mesh structure of line fragmentsas in detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3. However, the line fragments ofthe dummy electrode DR are not connected to each other or connected toany of detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3, lead lines L1 and L2, and padsPD1 to PD3. That is, the line fragments of the dummy electrode DR are inthe electrically floating state. By arranging the detection electrodesRx and the dummy electrodes DR which are alike in shape, the screendisplay of the liquid crystal display panel PNL can be maintainedoptically uniform.

Next, the detailed structure of the detection electrodes Rx isexplained. Note that the structure of the detection electrodes Rx can beapplied to various detection methods including the above-describedmutual-capacitive sensing method, self-capacitive sensing method, andthe like.

The detection electrodes Rx have an electrode pattern (electrode patternPT) of metal material line fragments (line fragments T described later)combined together. The line fragment is formed of a metal material suchas aluminum (Al), titan (Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten(W), cupper (Cu), and chrome (Cr), or of an alloy including such amaterial. The width of the line fragment should preferably be set tofall within such a range that does not decrease the transmissivity ofeach pixel while maintaining a certain resistance to a break. Forexample, the width may be set to fall within a range between 3 and 10 μminclusive.

Now, an example of a pixel arrangement and an electrode pattern ofdetection electrodes Rx within the display area DA are explained. FIGS.11 and 12 schematically show unit pixels PX and electrode pattern PT ofdetection electrodes Rx within the display area DA in part.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, unit pixels PX are arranged in a matrix in bothdirections X and Y. In FIG. 11, each unit pixel PX is composed of red,green, and blue subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB. Red subpixels SPXR,green subpixels SPXG, and blue subpixels SPXB are aligned in directionY, respectively. In FIG. 12, each unit pixel PX is composed of red,green, blue, and white subpixels SPXR, SPXG, SPXB, and SPXW. Redsubpixels SPXR, green subpixels SPXG, blue subpixels SPXB, and whitesubpixels SPXW are aligned in direction Y, respectively.

Within the display area DA, an arrangement direction of subpixels SPXwhich possess maximum luminosity for humans (the human eye) is definedas first direction D1. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to firstdirection D1 is defined as second direction D2. In the display area DAshown in FIG. 11, green subpixel SPXG possesses the maximum luminosityfor humans. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 11, the direction in whichgreen subpixels SPXG are aligned, that is, direction Y is defined asfirst direction D1, and direction X orthogonal to first direction D1 isdefined as second direction D2. Furthermore, in the display area DAshown in FIG. 12, white subpixel SPXW possesses the maximum luminosityfor humans. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 12, the direction in whichwhite subpixels SPXW are aligned, that is, direction Y is defined asfirst direction D1, and direction X orthogonal to first direction D1 isdefined as second direction D2.

In the description below, the unit pixel PX in the display area DA has apitch in first direction D1 which is referred to as first pixel pitchpa1 and a pitch in second direction D2 which is referred to as secondpixel pitch pa2. Specifically, first pixel pitch pa1 and second pixelpitch pa2 of a unit pixel PX are, as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, alength of a unit pixel PX in first direction D1 (direction Y) and alength of a unit pixel PX in second direction D2 (direction X),respectively.

The electrode pattern PT includes a plurality of detection lines Wextending zigzag. A detection line W is composed of unit patterns U1arranged in a first arrangement direction DU1 alternately, and each unitpattern U1 is a combination of two kinds of line fragments Ta and Tbjointed at their ends while extending in different directions. Firstarrangement direction DU1 is tilted counterclockwise at angle θ withrespect to first direction D1. In the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, theelectrode pattern PT is composed of three detection lines W arranged atregular intervals in second arrangement direction DU2 which isorthogonal to first arrangement direction DU1.

In the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, line fragments Ta and Tb those arein a unit pattern U1 or those are adjacent at a boundary between twounit patterns U1 form an obtuse angle. Note that line fragments Ta andTb may be jointed to form an acute angle or a right angle instead. Theelectrode pattern PT may be composed of more detection lines W or may becomposed of two detection lines W or less. The dummy electrodes DR aredisposed in the proximity of electrode patterns PT practically; however,they are omitted from the depiction in FIGS. 11 and 12.

The electrode pattern PT includes a number of connection points of linefragments Ta and Tb. The connection points are aligned linearly in part.Dotted line circles shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 indicate a connection pointgroup aligned linearly. Connection points CP in a connection point groupare extracted from the connection points in a single detection line Walternately and aligned at regular intervals in first arrangementdirection DU1.

In the description below, the connection point group aligned linearlyhas a pitch in first direction D1 which is referred to as firstconnection point pitch pb1 and a pitch in second direction D2 which isreferred to as second connection point pitch pb2. Specifically, firstconnection point pitch pb1 and second connection point pitch pb2 are, asdepicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, a gap between two connection points CPadjacent in first direction D1 (direction Y) and a gap between twoconnection points CP adjacent in second direction D2 (direction X),respectively.

At the connection point of line fragments Ta and Tb formed of a metalmaterial, the area of line fragments per unit area increases and thetransmissivity of the light from the display area DA decreases.Consequently, a line in which the light transmissivity is loweredlocally occurs along the arrangement direction of the connection pointsof line fragments Ta and Tb, and this line generates moiré by crossingthe subpixels SPX of various colors.

To prevent or suppress such moiré due to the interference between theconnection points and the display area DA, the shape of the electrodepattern PT is defined such that the connection point group alignedlinearly satisfies both the following conditions 1 and 2.pb1<0.5×pa1×(L−0.05), or0.5×pa1×(L+0.05)<pb1  [Condition 1]pb2<0.5×pa2×(L−0.05), or0.5×pa2×(L+0.05)<pb2  [Condition 2]

Or, preferably, the following conditions 3 and 4 should be satisfied.pb1<0.5×pa1×(L−0.1), or0.5×pa1×(L+0.1)<pb1  [Condition 3]pb2<0.5×pa2×(L−0.1), or0.5×pa2×(L+0.1)−pb2  [Condition 4]

In conditions 1 to 4, L is a positive integer. Conditions 1 to 4 must besatisfied as to any integer L, not a particular integer L.

The electrode pattern PT has a connection point group aligned linearlyin addition to the connection point group of the connection points CPshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. For example, in a single detection line W, theconnection points between the connection points CP are aligned linearlyin first arrangement direction DU1. Furthermore, connections points ofdifferent detection lines W may be aligned linearly. Ideally, conditions1 and 2 or 3 and 4 should be satisfied in the entire connection pointgroups aligned linearly to prevent or suppress moiré more effectively.However, if conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 are satisfied in at least oneof the connection point groups aligned linearly, the advantage toprevent or suppress moiré due to the interference between the connectionpoint group and the display area DA can still be achieved. For example,amongst the connection point groups in an electrode pattern PT, aconnection point group having a minimal gap between connection pointsadjacent therein or a connection point group having a maximal gapbetween connections points at both ends therein may satisfy conditions 1and 2 or 3 and 4.

Now, the technical significance of conditions 1 to 4 is explained.

FIGS. 13 and 14 indicate results of evaluations conducted to evaluatemoiré due to the interference between connection points in an electrodepattern PT and the display area DA shown in FIG. 11 (type A), andbetween connection points in an electrode pattern PT and the displayarea DA shown in FIG. 12 (type B) where the first connection point pitchpb1 and the second connection point pitch pb2 are changed variously.

FIG. 13 shows first connection point pitch pb1 [μm], second connectionpoint pitch pb2 [μm], moiré evaluation result (moiré level) in each oftype A and type B, a value obtained by dividing first connection pointpitch pb1 by 0.5 times first pixel pitch pa1 (pb1/0.5×pa1), and a valueobtained by dividing second connection point pitch pb2 by 0.5 timessecond pixel pitch pa2 (pb2/0.5×pa2) as to evaluation examples E101 toE124. In evaluation examples E101 to E124, a tilt angle θ of firstarrangement direction DU1 with respect to first direction D1 was set to33.69°.

FIG. 14 shows first connection point pitch pb1 [μm], second connectionpoint pitch pb2 [μm], moiré evaluation result (moiré level) in each oftype A and type B, a value obtained by dividing first connection pointpitch pb1 by 0.5 times first pixel pitch pa1 (pb1/0.5×pa1), and a valueobtained by dividing second connection point pitch pb2 by 0.5 timessecond pixel pitch pa2 (pb2/0.5×pa2) as to evaluation examples E201 toE226. In evaluation examples E201 to E226, a tilt angle θ of firstarrangement direction DU1 with respect to first direction D1 was set to38.00°.

In the evaluations, the moiré was rated on a scale of 1 to 4 where scale1 corresponds to the best display quality (least influenced by moiré)and scale 4 corresponds to the poorest display quality (most influencedby moiré). Scales 1 to 4 are hereinafter referred to as levels 1 to 4.Both first pixel pitch pa1 and second pixel pitch pa2 in the displayarea DA of type A are 58.8 μm. First pixel pitch pa1 and second pixelpitch pa2 in the display area DA of type B are 103.5 and 138 μm,respectively.

In the evaluations of type A, evaluation examples E112 and E124indicated level 4; E116, E204, E213, E216, E218, E223, and E224indicated level 3; E101, E104, E105, E107, E108, E118, E120, E205, E209,and E210 indicated level 2; and the other examples indicated level 1.

In the evaluations of type B, evaluation examples E108, E118, E123,E124, E202, E203, E212, and E213 indicated level 3; E101, E107, E109,E113, E114, E119, E201, E211, and E214 indicated level 2, and the otherexamples indicated level 1. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the evaluation resultsand the like of level 3 and level 4 are hatched and the evaluationresults and the like of level 2 are dotted.

Referring to the evaluation examples which indicated level 3 or 4, atleast either pb1/(0.5×pa1) or pb2/(0.5×pa2) in most cases is betweeninteger L−0.05 and integer L+0.05, inclusive, and this is irrelevant toangle θ. This means that moiré tends to occur easily when eitherpb1/(0.5×pa1) or pb2/(0.5×pa2) is substantially equal to integer L. As aresult, conditions 1 and 2 mentioned above can be derived.

Furthermore, referring to the evaluation examples which indicated level2, at least either pa1/(0.5×pa1) or pb2/(0.5×pa2) in most cases isbetween integer L−0.1 and integer L+0.1, inclusive, and this isirrelevant to angle θ. As a result, conditions 3 and 4 mentioned abovecan be derived as better conditions to prevent or reduce moiré.

With the sensor SE including the detection electrodes Rx composed of theelectrode pattern PT which satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and4, a liquid crystal display device DSP which can prevent or suppressmoiré can be achieved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection electrodes Rx and thesensor driving electrode (common electrode) those are components of thesensor SE are disposed on different layers with dielectrics interposedtherebetween. If the detection electrodes Rx and the sensor drivingelectrode were provided with the same layer, an electric corrosion wouldoccur between the detection electrodes Rx and the sensor drivingelectrode. The structure of the present embodiment can prevent such anelectric corrosion.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the common electrode disposedinside the liquid crystal display panel PNL is used for both theelectrode for display and the electrode for sensor driving in theabove-described mutual-capacitive method or mutual-capacitive sensingmethod, and thus, there is no need of a sensor driving electrode forsensing purpose only disposed in the liquid crystal display device DSP.If such a sensor driving electrode for sensing purpose only is providedtherein, moiré may occur due to the interference between the sensordriving electrode and the detection electrodes Rx or the display areaDA. The present embodiment can prevent such moiré. Furthermore, in thepresent embodiment, the common electrode CE is formed of a transparentconductive material, and thus, moiré due to the interference between thecommon electrode CE and the display area DA or the detection electrodesRx can be prevented or suppressed.

In addition to the above, various favorable advantages can be achievedby the present embodiment.

The shape of the electrode pattern PT is not limited to the modeldepicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. The shape of the electrode pattern PT canbe changed as long as at least a part of the connection points includedtherein satisfies conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, and the advantage toprevent or suppress moiré due to the interference between the electrodepattern PT and the display area DA can still be achieved.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the electrode pattern PT areexemplified. Unless otherwise specified, the structure of the firstembodiment is adopted therein.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 15 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thesecond embodiment. A unit pattern U2 is shown at the left of FIG. 15.The electrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U2arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 and second arrangementdirection DU2. Unit pattern U2 is a rhombus defined by (or closed by)line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Tb1, and Tb2.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU2 are formed to share a single line fragment T. For example, in the twounit patterns U2 arranged consecutively in first arrangement directionDU1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U2 are formed such that oneline fragment Tb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb1in one unit pattern U2 and is also used as line fragment Tb2 in theother unit pattern U2.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 15, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, ora connection point group including connection points arranged along thediagonal of unit pattern U2 at regular intervals, or the like satisfiesabove conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore, such elements may bedefined such that several connection point groups satisfy aboveconditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 15, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 16 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thethird embodiment. A unit pattern U3 is shown at the left of FIG. 16. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U3arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 and second arrangementdirection DU2. Unit pattern U3 is a parallelogram defined by (or closedby) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU3 are formed to share a single line fragment T. For example, in the twounit patterns U3 arranged consecutively in first arrangement directionDU1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U2 are formed such that oneline fragment Ta disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta1in one unit pattern U3 and is also used as line fragment Ta4 in theother unit pattern U3.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 16, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, ora connection point group including connection points arranged along thediagonal of unit pattern U3 at regular intervals, or the like satisfiesabove conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore, such elements may bedefined such that several connection point groups satisfy aboveconditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 16, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 17 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thefourth embodiment. Unit patterns U4 a and U4 b are shown at the left ofFIG. 17. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patterns U4 aand U4 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unit patterns U4 aand U4 b both extending in first arrangement direction DU1 are arrangedalternately in second arrangement direction DU2. Unit pattern U4 a is aparallelogram defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3,Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2. Unit pattern U4 b is a parallelogram defined by (orclosed by) line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, and Tb6. Unitpatterns U4 a and U4 b are symmetrical with respect to the axis alongfirst arrangement direction DU1 and the axis along second arrangementdirection DU2.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU4 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U4 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U4 a and U4 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U4 a arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U4 a are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 in one unitpattern U4 a and is used as line fragment Ta3 in the other unit patternU4 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U4 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U4 b are formed such that one line fragment Tbdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb4 in one unitpattern U4 b and is also used as line fragment Tb5 in the other unitpattern U4 b.

One unit pattern U4 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U4 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U4 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are shared with the outlines of the four unitpatterns U4 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U4 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U4a. The outline of this unit pattern U4 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb3, and Tb6 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U4 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 17, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, ora connection point group including connection points arranged along thediagonal of unit patterns U4 a and U4 b at regular intervals, or thelike satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore, suchelements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 17, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 18 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thefifth embodiment. Unit patterns U5 a and U5 b are shown at the left ofFIG. 18. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patterns U5 aand U5 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unit patterns U5 aand U5 b both extending in first arrangement direction DU1 are arrangedalternately in second arrangement direction DU2. Unit pattern U5 a is ahexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4,Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4. Unit pattern U5 b is a hexagon defined by (orclosed by) line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Ta7, Tab, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8.Unit patterns U5 a and U5 b are symmetrical with respect to apredetermined axis. The interior angle formed by line fragments Ta3 andTb2 of unit pattern U5 a and the interior angle formed by line fragmentsTa6 and Tb7 of unit pattern U5 b are both over 180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU5 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U5 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U5 a and U5 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U5 a arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U5 a are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 in one unitpattern U5 a and is used as line fragment Ta4 in the other unit patternU5 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U5 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U5 b are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta5 in one unitpattern U5 b and is also used as line fragment Ta7 in the other unitpattern U5 b.

One unit pattern U5 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U5 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U5 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta3, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U5 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U5 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U5a. The outline of this unit pattern U5 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta6, Ta8, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are shared with the outlinesof the four unit patterns U5 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 18, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, orthe like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore,such elements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 18, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 19 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thesixth embodiment. Unit patterns U6 a and U6 b are shown at the left ofFIG. 19. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patterns U6 aand U6 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unit patterns U6 aand U6 b both extending in first arrangement direction DU1 are arrangedalternately in second arrangement direction DU2. Unit pattern U6 a is ahexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4,Ta5, Ta6, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4. Unit pattern U6 b is a hexagon definedby (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta8, Ta9, Ta10, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7,Tb8, Tb9, and Tb10. Unit patterns U6 a and U6 b are symmetrical withrespect to a predetermined axis. The interior angle formed by linefragments Ta2 and Tb3 of unit pattern U6 a and the interior angle formedby line fragments Ta9 and Tb6 of unit pattern U6 b are both over 180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU6 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U6 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U6 a and U6 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U6 a arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U6 a are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta1 in one unitpattern U6 a and is used as line fragment Ta6 in the other unit patternU6 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U6 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U6 b are formed such that one line fragment Tbdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb5 in one unitpattern U6 b and is also used as line fragment Tb10 in the other unitpattern U6 b.

One unit pattern U6 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U6 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U6 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4 are shared with the outlinesof the four unit patterns U6 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U6 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U6a. The outline of this unit pattern U6 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta1, Tab, Ta9, Ta10, Tb6, Tb7, Tb8, and Tb9 are shared withthe outlines of the four unit patterns U6 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 19, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along second arrangement direction DU2 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along first arrangement direction DU1 at regular intervals, orthe like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore,such elements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 19, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 20 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of theseventh embodiment. Unit patterns U7 a and U7 b are shown at the left ofFIG. 20. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patterns U7 aand U7 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unit patterns U7 aand U7 b both extending in first arrangement direction DU1 are arrangedalternately in second arrangement direction DU2. Unit pattern U7 a is aparallelogram defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Tb1,Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4. Unit pattern U7 b is a parallelogram defined by (orclosed by) line fragments Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6, Tb5, and Tb6. Unitpatterns U7 a and U7 b are symmetrical with respect to the axis alongfirst arrangement direction DU1 and the axis along second arrangementdirection DU2.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU7 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U7 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U7 a and U7 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U7 a arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U7 a are formed such that one line fragment Tbdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb1 in one unitpattern U7 a and is used as line fragment Tb4 in the other unit patternU7 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U7 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U7 b are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta3 in one unitpattern U7 b and is also used as line fragment Ta6 in the other unitpattern U7 b.

One unit pattern U7 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U7 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U7 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta2, Tb2, and Tb3 are shared with the outlines of the four unitpatterns U7 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U7 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U7a. The outline of this unit pattern U7 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta4, Ta5, Tb5, and Tb6 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U7 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 20, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, ora connection point group including connection points arranged along thediagonal of unit patterns U7 a and U7 b at regular intervals, or thelike satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore, suchelements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 20, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 21 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of theeighth embodiment. Unit pattern U8 is shown at the left of FIG. 21. Theelectrode pattern PT is a set of unit patterns U8 arranged in both firstarrangement direction DU1 and second arrangement direction DU2. Unitpattern U8 is a dodecagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1,Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6, Ta1, Ta8, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, and Tb6. Theinterior angles formed by line fragments Ta3 and Tb3, line fragments Ta4and Tb5, and line fragments Ta5 and Tb2 of unit pattern U8 are all over180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU8 are formed to share a single line fragment T. For example, in the twounit patterns U8 arranged consecutively in first arrangement directionDU1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U8 are formed such that twoline fragments Ta and one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundaryare used as line fragments Ta1, Ta3, and Tb3 in one unit pattern U8 andare also used as line fragments Ta6, Ta8, and Tb4 in the other unitpattern U8.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 21, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, orthe like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore,such elements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 21, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 22 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of theninth embodiment. Unit pattern U9 is shown at the left of FIG. 22. Theelectrode pattern PT is a set of unit patterns U9 arranged in both firstarrangement direction DU1 and second arrangement direction DU2. Unitpattern U9 is a hexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1,Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4. The interior angles formed byline fragments Ta2 and Tb2 of unit pattern U9 is over 180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU9 are formed to share a single line fragment T. For example, in the twounit patterns U9 arranged consecutively in first arrangement directionDU1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U9 are formed such that oneline fragment Ta and one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary areused as line fragments Ta2 and Tb2 in one unit pattern U9 and are alsoused as line fragments Ta4 and Tb4 in the other unit pattern U9.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 22, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, orthe like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore,such elements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 22, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 23 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thetenth embodiment. Unit patterns U10 a and U10 b are shown at the left ofFIG. 23. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patterns U10a and U10 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unit patternsU10 a and U10 b both extending in first arrangement direction DU1 arearranged alternately in second arrangement direction DU2. Unit patternU10 a is a hexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2,Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4. Unit pattern U10 b is a hexagondefined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Ta7, Ta8, Tb5, Tb6,Tb7, and Tb8. Unit patterns U10 a and U10 b are symmetrical with respectto the axis along second arrangement direction DU2. The interior angleformed by line fragments Ta2 and Tb2 of unit pattern U10 a and theinterior angle formed by line fragments Ta7 and Tb7 of unit pattern U10b are both over 180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU10 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U10 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U10 a and U10 b are formed to shareone line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U10 aarranged consecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlinesof these two unit patterns U10 a are formed such that one line fragmentTa and one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary are used as linefragments Ta2 and Tb2 in one unit pattern U10 a and are used as linefragments Ta4 and Tb4 in the other unit pattern U10 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U10 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U10 b are formed such that one line fragment Ta andone line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary are used as linefragments Ta5 and Tb5 in one unit pattern U10 b and are also used asline fragments Ta7 and Tb7 in the other unit pattern U10 b.

One unit pattern U10 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U10 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U10 a is formed such that its linefragments Ta1, Ta3, Tb1, and Tb3 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U10 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U10 b is adjacent to four unit patternsU10 a. The outline of this unit pattern U10 b is formed such that itsline fragments Ta6, Ta8, Tb6, and Tb8 are shared with the outlines ofthe four unit patterns U10 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta and Tb and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are definedsuch that, as shown in FIG. 23, the connection point group including theconnection points CP arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 atregular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elements may bedefined such that a connection point group including connection pointsarranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regular intervals, orthe like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. Furthermore,such elements may be defined such that several connection point groupssatisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 23, line fragments Ta and Tb are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb may connect with each other ata right angle.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 24 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of theeleventh embodiment. Unit patterns U11 a and U11 b are shown at the leftof FIG. 24. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patternsU11 a and U11 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unitpatterns U11 a and U11 b are arranged alternately in first arrangementdirection DU1 and second arrangement direction DU2.

Unit patterns U11 a and U11 b are composed of line fragments Ta and Tb,and in addition thereto, line fragment Tc which is tilted at an angledifferent from those of line fragments Ta and Tb. Specifically, unitpattern U11 a is a triangle defined by (or closed by) line fragmentsTa1, Tb1, and Tc1. Unit pattern U11 b is a triangle defined by (orclosed by) line fragments Ta2, Tb2, and Tc2. Unit patterns U11 a and U11b are symmetrical with respect to an axis along first arrangementdirection DU1 and an axis along second arrangement direction DU2.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of adjacent unit patterns U11a and U11 b are formed to share one line fragment T. For example, in theadjacent unit patterns U11 a and U11 b arranged consecutively in firstarrangement direction DU1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U11 aand U11 b are formed such that one line fragment Tc disposed at theirboundary is used as line fragment Tc1 in unit pattern U11 a and is usedas line fragment Tc2 in unit pattern U11 b.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta, Tb, and Tc and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 aredefined such that, as shown in FIG. 24, the connection point groupincluding the connection points CP arranged along second arrangementdirection DU2 at regular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or3 and 4. However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elementsmay be defined such that a connection point group including connectionpoints arranged along first arrangement direction DU1 at regularintervals, or the like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.Furthermore, such elements may be defined such that several connectionpoint groups satisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

In the example of FIG. 24, line fragments Ta, Tb, and Tc are depicted toconnect with each other at an acute or obtuse angle at the connectionpoint; however, line fragments Ta and Tb, line fragments Ta and Tc, orline fragments Tb and Tc may connect with each other at a right angle.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 25 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thetwelfth embodiment. Unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are shown at the leftof FIG. 25. The electrode pattern PT is a combination of unit patternsU12 a and U12 b. Specifically, in this electrode pattern PT, unitpatterns U12 a and U12 b both extending in first arrangement directionDU1 are arranged alternately in second arrangement direction DU2.

Unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are composed of line fragments Ta and Tb,and in addition thereto, line fragments Tc and Td. Thin fragments Ta,Tb, Tc, and Td are tilted at different angles. Unit pattern U12 a is aseptagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Tb1,Tc1, Tc2, Td1, and Td2. Unit pattern U12 b is a septagon defined by (orclosed by) line fragments Ta4, Tb2, Tb3, Tb4, Tc3, Tc4, Td3, and Td4.Unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are symmetrical with respect to an axisalong second arrangement direction DU2. The interior angle formed byline fragments Ta2 and Td1 of unit pattern U12 a and the interior angleformed by line fragments Tb3 and Tc3 of unit pattern U12 b are both over180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU12 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U12 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are formed to shareat least one line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U12a arranged consecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, theoutlines of these two unit patterns U12 a are formed such that one linefragment Ta disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta1 inone unit pattern U12 a and is used as line fragment Ta3 in the otherunit pattern U12 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U12 b arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of thesetwo unit patterns U12 b are formed such that one line fragment Tbdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb2 in one unitpattern U12 b and is also used as line fragment Tb4 in the other unitpattern U12 b.

One unit pattern U12 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U12 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U12 a is formed such that its linefragments Ta2, Tb1, Tc1, Tc2, Td1 and Td2 are shared with the outlinesof the four unit patterns U12 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U12 b is adjacent to four unit patternsU12 a. The outline of this unit pattern U12 b is formed such that itsline fragments Ta4, Tb3, Tc3, Tc4, Td3, and Td4 are shared with theoutlines of the four unit patterns U12 a.

In this embodiment, elements such as tilt angle and length of linefragments Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td and arrangement directions DU1 and DU2 aredefined such that, as shown in FIG. 25, the connection point groupincluding the connection points CP arranged along first arrangementdirection DU1 at regular intervals satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or3 and 4. However, no limitation is intended thereby, and such elementsmay be defined such that a connection point group including connectionpoints arranged along second arrangement direction DU2 at regularintervals, or the like satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.Furthermore, such elements may be defined such that several connectionpoint groups satisfy above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.

Thirteenth Embodiment

FIG. 26 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT of thethirteenth embodiment. Unit patterns U13 a, U13 b, U13 c, and U13 d areshown at the left of FIG. 26. The electrode pattern PT is a combinationof unit patterns U13 a, U13 b, U13 c, and U13 d. Specifically, in thiselectrode pattern PT, unit patterns U13 a and U13 b extending in firstarrangement direction DU1 and unit patterns U13 c and U13 d extending infirst arrangement direction DU1 are arranged alternately in secondarrangement direction DU2.

Unit patterns U13 a, U13 b, U13 c, and U13 d are composed of linefragments Ta and Tb, and in addition thereto, line fragments Tc and Td.Thin fragments Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td are tilted at different angles. Unitpattern U13 a is a hexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Ta1,Ta2, Tb1, Tb2, Tc1, and Tc2. Unit pattern U13 b is a hexagon defined by(or closed by) line fragments Ta3, Ta4, Tc3, Tc4, Td1, and Td2. Unitpattern U13 c is a hexagon defined by (or closed by) line fragments Tb3,Tb4, Tc5, Tc6, Td3, and Td4. Unit pattern U13 d is a hexagon defined by(or closed by) line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb5, Tb6, Td5, and Td6. Unitpatterns U13 a and U13 b, unit patterns U13 c and U13 d, unit patternsU13 a and U13 d, and unit patterns U13 b and U13 c are symmetrical withrespect to a predetermined axis. The interior angle formed by linefragments Ta2 and Tc2 of unit pattern 13 a, the interior angle formed byline fragments Ta3 and Tc3 of unit pattern U13 b, the interior angleformed by line fragments Tb3 and Td3 of unit pattern U13 c, and theinterior angle formed by line fragments Tb6 and Td6 of unit pattern U13d are all over 180°.

In this electrode pattern PT, unit patterns U13 a, U13 b, U13 c, and U13d do not adjoin a unit pattern of the same kind. The outlines of twoadjacent unit patterns are formed to share at least one line fragment T.For example, in unit patterns U13 a and U13 b arranged consecutively infirst arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of these unit patterns U13a and U13 b are formed such that one line fragment Tc disposed at theirboundary is used as line fragment Tc2 in unit pattern U13 a and is usedas line fragment Tc3 in unit pattern U13 b. Or, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 a and U13 b may be formed such that one line fragmentTa disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta1 in unitpattern U13 a and is used as line fragment Ta4 in unit pattern U13 b.

Furthermore, for example, in unit patterns U13 c and U13 d arrangedconsecutively in first arrangement direction DU1, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 c and U13 d are formed such that one line fragment Tddisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Td3 in unit patternU13 c and is used as line fragment Td6 in unit pattern U13 d. Or, theoutlines of these unit patterns U13 c and U13 d may be formed such thatone line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragmentTb4 in unit pattern U13 c and is used as line fragment Tb5 in unitpattern U13 d.

Furthermore, for example, in unit patterns U13 a and U13 c arrangedconsecutively in second arrangement direction DU2, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 a and U13 c are formed such that one line fragment Tcdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tc1 in unit patternU13 a and is used as line fragment Tc6 in unit pattern U13 c. Or, theoutlines of these unit patterns U13 a and U13 c may be formed such thatone line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragmentTb2 in unit pattern U13 a and is used as line fragment Tb3 in unitpattern U13 c.

Furthermore, for example, in unit patterns U13 a and U13 d arrangedconsecutively in second arrangement direction DU2, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 a and

U13 d are formed such that one line fragment Ta disposed at theirboundary is used as line fragment Ta2 in unit pattern U13 a and is usedas line fragment Ta5 in unit pattern U13 d. Or, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 a and U13 d may be formed such that one line fragmentTb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb1 in unitpattern U13 a and is used as line fragment Tb6 in unit pattern U13 d.

Furthermore, for example, in unit patterns U13 b and U13 c arrangedconsecutively in second arrangement direction DU2, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 b and U13 c are formed such that one line fragment Tddisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Td1 in unit patternU13 b and is used as line fragment Td4 in unit pattern U13 c. Or, theoutlines of these unit patterns U13 b and U13 c may be formed such thatone line fragment Tc disposed at their boundary is used as line fragmentTc4 in unit pattern U13 b and is used as line fragment Tc5 in unitpattern U13 c.

Furthermore, for example, in unit patterns U13 b and U13 d arrangedconsecutively in second arrangement direction DU2, the outlines of theseunit patterns U13 b and U13 d are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta3 in unit patternU13 b and is used as line fragment Ta6 in unit pattern U13 d. Or, theoutlines of these unit patterns U13 b and U13 d may be formed such thatone line fragment Td disposed at their boundary is used as line fragmentTd2 in unit pattern U13 b and is used as line fragment Td5 in unitpattern U13 d.

In this embodiment, various unit patterns are composed of various linefragments T and the electrode pattern PT is composed of these variousunit patterns. Consequently, aligning connections points linearly isdifficult in this embodiment. In the liquid crystal display device DSPwith this electrode pattern PT, moiré due to the interference betweenthe display area DA and the electrode pattern PT can be prevented orsuppressed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the electrode pattern PTincludes connection point group aligned linearly. Thus, if elements suchas tilt angle and length of line fragments Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td andarrangement directions DU1 and DU2 are defined such that the connectionpoint group satisfies above conditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, betterprevention or suppression of moiré can be expected.

As in the first to thirteenth embodiments explained above, the electrodepattern PT composed of unit patterns U arranged two-dimensionallyincludes a plurality of connection points groups aligned at regularintervals along the arrangement direction of the unit patterns U.Therefore, if any one of the connection point groups can satisfy aboveconditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, other connection point groups parallel tothis connection point group with the same intervals can satisfy aboveconditions 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 as well.

In the first to thirteenth embodiments, the same patterns used as theelectrode patterns PT of the embodiments can be applied to the dummyelectrodes DR. In that case, the pattern formed of dummy electrodes DRmay be designed such that ends of line fragments included in the dummyelectrodes DR do not contact with each other to have the dummyelectrodes DR in an electrically floating state.

As in the second to thirteenth embodiments, since the electrode patternPT is composed of the unit patterns U defined by (or closed by) linefragments T and adjacent unit patterns U therein share at least one linefragment T, the detection electrodes Rx does not break easily. That is,in such an electrode pattern PT, even if a break occurs at one pointbetween adjacent unit patterns U, an electrical connection in the linefragments T adjacent to this break point can be maintained by otherroutes. Therefore, the second to thirteenth embodiments can increase thereliability of sensing function of the liquid crystal display deviceDSP.

As in the fourth to seventh and tenth to thirteenth embodiments, sincethe electrode pattern PT is composed of various kinds of unit patternsU, and as particularly in the fifth, sixth, eighth to tenth, twelfth,and thirteenth embodiments, since the electrode pattern PT is composedof unit patterns U having a polygonal outline including at least oneinterior angle exceeding 180°, the electrode pattern PT is complex andthe detection performance of the sensor SE can be maintained good. Thatis, if an area in which the common electrode CE and line fragments T arenot opposed to each other spreads widely over the detection surface,approach of a finger of a user may not be detected therein. On the otherhand, if the electrode pattern PT is complex as in the above, such anarea spreading widely can be reduced and the detection performance ofthe sensor SE can be maintained good.

The embodiments explained above can be varied arbitrarily. Some examplesof variations are described hereinafter.

(Variation 1)

Pixel arrangements within the display area DA are not limited to thoseshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this variation, another pixel arrangementwithin the display area DA is explained with reference to FIG. 27. Inthe display area DA of FIG. 27, red subpixel SPXR, green subpixel SPXG,and blue subpixel SPXB are arranged in a matrix extending in direction Xand direction Y. Subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB are arranged such thatthe subpixels of the same color do not continue in either direction X ordirection Y. A unit pixel PX is composed of subpixels SPXR and SPXGarranged side by side in direction X and a subpixel SPXB below thesubpixel SPXR.

Amongst red, green, and blue, green has the maximum luminosity for theeye, and the arrangement direction of green subpixels SPXG is defined asfirst direction D1 (pixel arrangement direction) in this display areaDA. Therefore, first direction D1 crosses both direction X and directionY as depicted in the figure. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal tofirst direction D1 is second direction D2.

If the subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB are formed in the same rectangularshape in this variation, first pixel pitch pa1 of the unit pixel PX infirst direction D1 corresponds to a diagonal length of a single subpixelSPX. Furthermore, second pixel pitch pa2 of the unit pixel PX in seconddirection D2 corresponds to twice the diagonal length of a singlesubpixel SPX. The same advantages obtained in the above embodiments canbe achieved in a case where the display area DA as in this variation isused.

(Variation 2)

In this variation, another pixel arrangement within the display area DAis explained with reference to FIG. 28. In the display area DA of FIG.28, red subpixel SPXR, green subpixel SPXG, blue subpixel SPXB, andwhite subpixel SPXW are arranged in a matrix extending in direction Xand direction Y. The display area DA includes two kinds of unit pixelsPX1 and PX2. Unit pixel PX1 is composed of subpixels SPXR, SPXG, andSPXB arranged in direction X. Unit pixel PX2 is composed of subpixelsSPXR, SPXG, and SPXB arranged in direction X. Unit pixels PX1 and PX2are arranged alternately in direction X. Furthermore, unit pixels PX1and PX2 are arranged alternately in direction Y.

Amongst red, green, blue, and white, white has the maximum luminosityfor the eye, and in this display area DA, white subpixel SPXW does notcontinue in any direction. In that case, first direction D1 (pixelarrangement direction) can be defined based on an average luminosity ofa combination of subpixels. For example, in the line of subpixels SPXWand SPXB arranged alternately in direction Y, if an average luminositythereof is greater than the luminosity of other subpixel lines, adirection parallel to direction Y can be defined as first direction D1.Accordingly, a direction orthogonal to first direction D1, that is, adirection parallel to direction X can be defined as second direction D2.In the example depicted, unit pixels PX1 and PX2 have the same firstpixel pitch pa1 in first direction D1. Furthermore, unit pixels PX1 andPX2 have the same second pixel pitch pa2 in second direction D2. Thesame advantages obtained in the above embodiments can be achieved in acase where the display area DA as in this variation is used.

Based on the structures which have been described in the above-describedembodiment and variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art mayachieve structures with arbitral design changes; however, as long asthey fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention, suchstructures are encompassed by the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the electrode patterns PT only including a part designed basedon the technical concept of the above-described embodiment andvariations should be acknowledged made within the scope of theinvention, and actual products with minor differences and design changescaused by their production process should never be acknowledged beyondthe scope of the invention.

Furthermore, regarding the present embodiments, any advantage and effectthose will be obvious from the description of the specification orarbitrarily conceived by a skilled person are naturally consideredachievable by the present invention.

Some examples of a sensor-equipped display device obtained from theembodiments are described below.

[1] A sensor-equipped display device, comprising:

a display panel including a display area in which unit pixels arearranged with a first pixel pitch in a first direction and a secondpixel pitch in a second direction, each of the unit pixels including aplurality of subpixels corresponding to different colors; and

a detection electrode including an electrode pattern having conductiveline fragments arranged on a detection surface which is parallel to thedisplay area, the detection electrodes configured to detect a contact orapproach of an object to the detection surface, wherein

the electrode pattern has a plurality of connection points at which endsof the line fragments are connected to each other, and at least part ofthe connection points is arranged linearly such that an arrangement gapthereof in the first direction is set to a first connection point pitchand an arrangement gap thereof in the second direction is set to asecond connection point pitch,

the first connection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×first pixelpitch×(integer+0.05), and

the second connection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×second pixelpitch×(integer+0.05).

[2] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

the first connection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer−0.1) to 0.5×first pixelpitch×(integer+0.1), and

the second connection point pitch is defined to exclude a range from0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer−0.1) to 0.5×second pixelpitch×(integer+0.1).

[3] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

the electrode pattern includes first line fragment and second linefragment which are tilted at different angles with respect to the firstdirection, the first and second line fragments arranged alternatelywhile being connected to an adjacent fragment at ends thereof, and

the connection points arranged linearly are connection points to connectan end of the first line fragment to an end of the second line fragment.

[4] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

the electrode pattern includes a plurality of unit patterns of whichoutlines are closed by the line fragments, and

the outlines of adjacent unit patterns share at least one line fragment.

[5] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

the electrode pattern includes different kinds of unit patterns of whichoutlines are closed by the line fragments respectively, and

the outlines of the different kinds of unit patterns have differentshapes.

[6] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

the electrode pattern includes a plurality of unit patterns each havinga polygonal shaped outline in which at least one interior angle isgreater than 180°.

[7] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],comprising a driving electrode configured to form a capacitance betweenthe detection electrode and thereof; and

a detection circuit configured to detect a contact or approach of anobject to the detection surface based on a change in the capacitance,wherein

the line fragment includes a metal material, and

the driving electrode includes a transmissive material and is disposedin a layer different from the detection electrode in a normal directionof the display area to be opposed to the detection electrode with adielectric intervening therebetween.

[8] The sensor equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein the display panel comprises a common electrode forming acapacitance between the detection electrode and thereof, and a pixelelectrode provided with each subpixel to be opposed to the commonelectrode with an insulating film intervening therebetween, and

the display panel further comprises a detection circuit configured todetect a contact or approach of an object to the detection surface basedon a change in the capacitance, and a driving circuit configured tosupply a first driving signal for driving the subpixels and a seconddriving signal for forming the capacitance used by the detection circuitto detect a contact or approach of an object to the detection surface,selectively, to the common electrode.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A sensor-equipped displaydevice, comprising: a display panel including a display area in whichunit pixels are arranged with a first pixel pitch in a first directionand a second pixel pitch in a second direction, each of the unit pixelsincluding a plurality of subpixels corresponding to different colors; adetection electrode including an electrode pattern having conductiveline fragments arranged on a detection surface which is parallel to thedisplay area, the detection electrode configured to detect a contact orapproach of an object to the detection surface; and a driving electrodeconfigured to form a capacitance between the detection electrode and thedriving electrode, wherein each of the line fragments includes a metalmaterial that blocks light, the driving electrode is formed of atransparent conductive material that is different from the metalmaterial, the driving electrode is disposed in a layer different fromthe detection electrode in a normal direction of the display area to beopposed to the detection electrode with a dielectric intervening betweenthe detection electrode and the driving electrode, the electrode patternhas a plurality of connection points at which ends of the line fragmentsare connected to each other, and at least part of the connection pointsis arranged linearly such that an arrangement gap thereof in the firstdirection is set to a first connection point pitch and an arrangementgap thereof in the second direction is set to a second connection pointpitch, the first connection point pitch is defined to exclude a rangefrom 0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to 0.5×first pixelpitch×(integer+0.05), and the second connection point pitch is definedto exclude a range from 0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer−0.05) to0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer+0.05).
 2. The sensor-equipped displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the first connection point pitch isdefined to exclude a range from 0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer−0.1) to0.5×first pixel pitch×(integer+0.1), and the second connection pointpitch is defined to exclude a range from 0.5×second pixelpitch×(integer−0.1) to 0.5×second pixel pitch×(integer+0.1).
 3. Thesensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode pattern includes first line fragment and second line fragmentwhich are tilted at different angles with respect to the firstdirection, the first and second line fragments arranged alternatelywhile being connected to an adjacent fragment at ends thereof, and theconnection points arranged linearly are connection points to connect anend of the first line fragment to an end of the second line fragment. 4.The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode pattern includes a plurality of unit patterns of whichoutlines are closed by the line fragments, and the outlines of adjacentunit patterns share at least one line fragment.
 5. The sensor-equippeddisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode patternincludes different kinds of unit patterns of which outlines are closedby the line fragments respectively, and the outlines of the differentkinds of unit patterns have different shapes.
 6. The sensor-equippeddisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode patternincludes a plurality of unit patterns each having a polygonal shapedoutline in which at least one interior angle is greater than 180°. 7.The sensor-equipped display device according to claim 1, comprising adetection circuit configured to detect a contact or approach of anobject to the detection surface based on a change in the capacitance. 8.The sensor equipped display device according to claim 1, wherein thedisplay panel comprises a common electrode forming a capacitance betweenthe detection electrode and thereof, and a pixel electrode provided witheach subpixel to be opposed to the common electrode with an insulatingfilm intervening therebetween, and the display panel further comprises adetection circuit configured to detect a contact or approach of anobject to the detection surface based on a change in the capacitance,and a driving circuit configured to supply a first driving signal fordriving the subpixels and a second driving signal for forming thecapacitance used by the detection circuit to detect a contact orapproach of an object to the detection surface, selectively, to thecommon electrode.
 9. The sensor-equipped display device according toclaim 1, wherein the driving electrode includes a plurality ofdivisional electrodes, and the divisional electrodes are extendedsubstantially linearly in the second direction.